Mogadishu(SNARADIO)-Senior Al-Shabaab chief on Tuesday surrendered to Somali National Army in Garabaharey town in Gedo region in southern Somalia.

Deputy Governor of Gedo region, Osman Nor Haji said that the militant official was the chief of El-gudud location about 50 Km west of Garbaharey town.

" Al-Shabaab militants’ chief of El-gudud location surrendered to Somali National Army and Government Administration in Garbaharey town in Gedo region this morning, army officials and administrative officials had been in contact with this official earlier and welcomed him”, Mr. Haji said.

He said the chief was named Mohamed Yusuf Dheel, saying that his surrender is a setback to the militant group of Al-Shabaab in the region.

El-gudud location is also about 10 KM to El-Adde, former KDF base where the militants raided in 2015.

The defection of the militants in recent came as Somali and U.S forces continue joint operations which are both airstrikes and ground battle. The group members are also benefiting Somali President’s offer of amnesty.